2. Select File > Open, Locate and Open the appropriate template.
Note: PhotoShop Templates will have a .PSD extension.
3. Convert the template to RBG or CMYK mode (by default the image will be in grayscale). Select Image > Mode > RBG or CMYK.
You will then be prompted to Flatten Image; select "Don't Flatten."
4. Select Window > Show Layers to display your Layer Dialog Box if it's not already visible.
5. Select the very bottom layer called "Design Here!" in your Layer Dialog Box.
6. The "Design Here!" layer is the layer that you want to work with.
7. Turn off the "Layout (Layer 1)" layer before printing. To turn off any layer, click on the eye located to the left of that layer.
PhotoShop Templates will be in three layers.
1st Layer will be the "Layout/Layer 1" layer.
This layer will contain information about the template: Template name, paper size, etc...
2nd Layer will be "Mask"
This layer contains a white fill that masks the area that will not be printed. Note: All artwork and text should NOT be above this layer.
3rd Layer will be "Design Here!"
This layer will be empty and ready to be designed.
Additional layers can be created, however they need to be under the Mask layer.
Notes on print calibration in PhotoShop
When you are ready to print, turn off the Layout layer, and print the mask and your artwork onto plain paper. Hold this up against your label stock to make sure the printout is aligned correctly. If the printout is not aligned correctly, first make sure the document has been saved. Then use Save As so that you are working on a new copy of the document. Making sure the calibration layer is still turned off, flatten the image (Layers>Flatten Image), discarding hidden layers. Then use the Move tool and the arrow keys on your keyboard to nudge the one resulting layer until your test printout matches the label stock exactly. Then you can print onto the label stock. NOTE: once you have flattened the document, you can no longer edit your work. Therefore it is important to line up printing LAST - and to make sure you have saved your document and are working in a copy.
For more specific help with PhotoShop functions, please consult your Adobe PhotoShop user manual.
LIST OF TEMPLATES
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Before you pick a template, make sure you know which paper stock you will be printing to! If you have standard US letter size stock (8 1/2 x 11), pick a template from the US list. If you have European/Asian A4 size stock (210mm x 297mm), pick a template from the A4 list. IF YOU CHOOSE THE WRONG TEMPLATE FOR YOUR STOCK, YOUR PRINTOUT WILL NOT LINE UP CORRECTLY!
Templates for A4 (European/Asian) paper stock
A4AUDj_b Audio J-Cards (back) template
A4AUDj_f Audio J-Cards (front) template
A4AUDlbl Labels for Audio cassette
A4CD2lbl CD labels with 2 CD's per page
A4CDenv Print & File (CD Envelopes)
A4DATj_b J-Cards for 4mm DAT tapes (back)
A4DATj_f Face/spine labels and J-Cards for 4mm DAT tapes
A4DATlbl Face/spine labels and J-Cards for 4mm DAT tapes
A4FLOPPY Labels for 3.5" floppy disc
A4JAZins iomega JAZ(c) inserts
A4JAZlbl Labels for iomega JAZ(c) cartridges
A4JCbook Jewel case front booklet
A4JCtray Jewel case rear tray liner insert
A4MDlbl Labels for MiniDiscs
A4MOj_b J-Cards for Magneto Optical (back)
A4MOj_f J-Cards for Magneto Optical (front)
A4MOlbl Labels for Magneto Optical discs
A4SDinsb SuperDisk(tm) Inserts (back)
A4SDinsf SuperDisk(tm) Inserts (front)
A4SDlbl SuperDisk(tm) labels
A4VCRins Inserts for VCR tape cases
**This template may not work with all styles of VCR tape cases**
A4VCRlbl Labels for VCR Face/Spine
A4ZIPj_b iomega ZIP(c) J-Cards (back)
A4ZIPj_f iomega ZIP(c) J-Cards (front)
A4ZIPlbl Labels for iomega ZIP(c) cartridges
Templates for US size (8 1/2 x 11 inch) paper stock
USAUDj_b Audio J-Cards (back) template
USAUDj_f Audio J-Cards (front) template
USAUDlbl Labels for Audio cassette
USCD2lbl CD labels with 2 CD's per page
USCD3lbl CD labels with 3 CD's per page
USCDenv Print & File (CD Envelopes)
USDATj_b J-Cards for 4mm DAT tapes (back)
USDATj_f Face/spine labels and J-Cards for 4mm DAT tapes
USDATlbl Face/spine labels and J-Cards for 4mm DAT tapes
USFLOPPY Labels for 3.5" floppy disc
USJAZins iomega JAZ(c) inserts
USJAZlbl Labels for iomega JAZ(c) cartridges
USJCbook Jewel case front booklet
USJCtray Jewel case rear tray liner insert
USMDlbl Labels for MiniDiscs
USMOj_b J-Cards for Magneto Optical (back)
USMOj_f J-Cards for Magneto Optical (front)
USMOlbl Labels for Magneto Optical discs
USSDinsb SuperDisk(tm) Inserts (back)
USSDinsf SuperDisk(tm) Inserts (front)
USSDlbl SuperDisk(tm) labels
USVCRins Inserts for VCR tape cases
**This template may not work with all styles of VCR tape cases**
